Health research can produce valuable insights to guide interventions offered to individuals and human groups. However, it requires specific precautions to protect potentially vulnerable subjects, such as indigenous populations. It has been recognized that there has been unethical conduct in research -from the international authorities responsible for outlining ethical standards for research projects- with regards to indigenous peoples. This article presents and discusses national and international guidelines to regulate research involving indigenous peoples.

In summary, respect for the autonomy and for the own knowledge are rights that must be met to carry out scientific research with indigenous peoples. In addition to the informed consent, the process of consultation and agreement allows adequate contextualization in relation to the problems, needs, and benefits of research in these populations.